Perret (1960; 1976) considers this to be an unmistakeable species on the basis of its morphology. However, Schiøtz (pers. comm.) considers that the type (and only) specimen is probably an aberrant Afrixalus paradorsalis.

If it is a valid species, it is possibly extinct following the very extensive habitat destruction that has taken place around the city of Douala. There have been no records since its discovery, despite extensive herpetological work in the area.